The Reflection Garden provides c.1,000m2 of tranquil public space in the heart of the City of London that is accessible to all. This previously underused garden sits in a challenging location, surrounded by roads, adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral (Grade I Listed) and on top of an existing basement. Its sensitive redesign has increased year-round use and enhanced biodiversity.

Tom Stuart-Smith Studio, in collaboration with water feature specialist Studio Ewing, designed a large 65m2 reflection pool in the heart of the garden. This water feature holds a mirror to the sky and captures remarkable reflections of St Paul’s Cathedral, strengthening the garden’s connection to its historic surroundings. It also conceals two large skylights within its design that bring daylight deep into the basement below. Through careful management of optics, the design ensures privacy between garden visitors and office workers.

The planting offers a rich and multi-layered experience that balances simplicity and complexity, providing year-round interest and ground coverage. The chosen seasonal planting is richly varied and textural and is placed alongside bird and insect hotels.

The garden opened to the pubic in the spring of 2022.